Freedom Wars Remastered, developed by Dimps Corporation and published by Bandai, launched on January 10th, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. Originally a PlayStation Vita classic from 2014, this remaster revitalises the beloved dystopian RPG with enhanced visuals, modern controls, and improved performance. Players are thrust into a high-stakes world of penal servitude, battling colossal enemies and exploring a richly detailed, futuristic setting. With updated features catering to both returning fans and newcomers, Freedom Wars Remastered promises a fresh take on a cult classic. But does this revamped version do justice to the original? Let’s find out.

Launch Trailer

A Dystopian Premise: Reducing Your Sentence Through Missions

Freedom Wars structures its gameplay around a gripping central premise—a dystopian future where players, known as “Sinners,” must work off million-year prison sentences by completing missions for their Panopticon. These missions focus on rescuing citizens, a critical resource for survival, and safely escorting them to a Resource Retrieval Unit (RRU). Unlike conventional hunting games, the emphasis isn’t always on defeating colossal foes; instead, strategy and precision play a crucial role in achieving objectives, adding a sense of urgency that sets Freedom Wars apart.

Combat is refreshingly fast-paced, a stark contrast to the methodical gameplay of contemporaries like Monster Hunter. Missions against towering Abductors are dynamic, focusing on immobilizing these giants and retrieving their cargo rather than outright destruction. This unique approach creates purposeful encounters, where precision trumps brute force.

The game’s standout feature, the Thorn mechanic, adds depth to both movement and combat. With three Thorn types offering unique abilities, players can grapple onto structures, target specific weak points, or set up tactical plays. This versatile tool fosters creativity, especially during the dismantling of Abductor defenses. Coupled with customizable weapons and AI partners called Accessories—android companions that follow commands. Freedom Wars delivers an engaging, innovative gameplay loop.

The most welcome improvement in the remaster is the improved control scheme, while the original portal version was limited by hardware. Everything is mapped out almost perfectly, however games within this genre are known for their somewhat unwieldy control scheme. If you’re a fan of these types of games, you will feel right at home. 

Yet, for all its creativity, Freedom Wars Remastered still carries the weight of its 2014 origins. Despite its innovations, it feels dated, reminiscent of the Monster Hunter-style craze that once dominated the PlayStation Vita. The dystopian narrative remains its most compelling feature, immersing players in a repressive world where every action is dictated by the Panopticon. Early on, the game cleverly underscores this oppression: players are “fined” 30 years of sentence for merely attempting to nap without permission.

Ironically, the game’s oppressive mechanics might have resonated even more had it been released during lockdown—a time when many experienced their own taste of restriction. Freedom Wars captures that feeling of navigating a controlled environment, blending gameplay innovation with a hauntingly relatable narrative.

A Timeless Anime Style

The most significant improvement in Freedom Wars Remastered lies in its visuals. Even back in 2014, the developers excelled in capturing the essence of anime aesthetics, creating a vibrant and colourful world. This remaster enhances those designs further, making them feel richer and more engaging. The sheer amount of customisation available for characters—though tied to progression—remains a standout feature, allowing players to personalise their Sinners to a remarkable degree.

With the remaster running at a smooth 60 FPS on modern platforms, the gap between animation and gameplay has been beautifully bridged. Combat and traversal feel fluid, and the enhanced visuals give new life to the dynamic action sequences.

While the visual upgrades are impressive, the game’s level design shows its age. Originally tailored for the PlayStation Vita and its portability, the environments feel constrained and repetitive by today’s standards. Despite this limitation, the game does stand out from its genre peers by eschewing the usual fantasy setting for a dystopian sci-fi world—a refreshing change in an otherwise saturated market.

A Dystopian Revival: Freedom Reimagined in a Remastered Classic

Freedom Wars Remastered breathes new life into a cult classic, delivering a compelling blend of dystopian storytelling, innovative mechanics, and timeless anime visuals. The game’s core premise—working off a million-year sentence through strategic missions—remains as gripping today as it was in 2014. Combat is fast-paced and dynamic, with the standout Thorn mechanic fostering creativity during battles and exploration alike. The addition of a refined control scheme and upgraded visuals at 60 FPS makes the remaster feel modern, despite its dated roots.

However, the limitations of its original design show through in repetitive level layouts and mechanics that feel tethered to the constraints of the PlayStation Vita era. Yet, the oppressive atmosphere of the Panopticon and the constant struggle for freedom still resonate, offering a unique narrative experience that sets Freedom Wars apart from its competition.

For fans of the genre and newcomers alike, Freedom Wars Remastered offers an engaging and nostalgic journey through a dystopian world that’s both challenging and immersive, even if it occasionally feels like a relic of its time.